GSA awards $9.6K contract for aircraft solvent wipers, highlighting a niche need for specialized cleaning supplies

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $9,602 ($9.6K)

Contractor: National Industries for the Blind

Awarding Agency: General Services Administration

Start Date: 2026-04-06

End Date: 2026-04-13

Contract Duration: 7 days

Daily Burn Rate: $1.4K/day

Competition Type: NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: CLOTH, CLEANING: IAW FEDERAL SPEC. CCC-C-46D & AMENDMENT 2. TYPE I-UNTREATED, CLASS 7-AIRCRAFT SOLVENT WIPER, SZ.-16-3/4 IN. BY 20-3/4 IN. UNIT OF ISSUE (AND BASIS FOR BID) IS A SHIPPING CONTAINER OF 8 DISPENSER BOXES, EA. BOX HOLDING 100 CLOTHS (800

Place of Performance

Location: ALEXANDRIA, ALEXANDRIA CITY County, VIRGINIA, 22305

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

General Services Administration obligated $9,601.56 to NATIONAL INDUSTRIES FOR THE BLIND for work described as: CLOTH, CLEANING: IAW FEDERAL SPEC. CCC-C-46D & AMENDMENT 2. TYPE I-UNTREATED, CLASS 7-AIRCRAFT SOLVENT WIPER, SZ.-16-3/4 IN. BY 20-3/4 IN. UNIT OF ISSUE (AND BASIS FOR BID) IS A SHIPPING CONTAINER OF 8 DISPENSER BOXES, EA. BOX HOLDING 100 CLOTHS (800 Key points: 1. The contract addresses a specific requirement for untreated aircraft solvent wipers, indicating a focused demand within aviation maintenance. 2. The supplier, National Industries for the Blind, suggests a potential social impact component, aligning with federal initiatives to support specific workforce groups. 3. The short duration of the delivery order (7 days) points to an immediate or urgent need for these supplies. 4. The contract's value is relatively small, suggesting it may be a routine replenishment or a trial order rather than a large-scale procurement. 5. The absence of competition raises questions about market availability and alternative sourcing options for this specialized product.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $9,601.56 for 800 cloths (8 dispenser boxes) appears reasonable for a specialized aviation cleaning supply. Benchmarking is difficult without more specific market data on aircraft-grade solvent wipers. However, the unit price per cloth is approximately $12, which seems high for a standard cloth but may be justified by the specific material, treatment (or lack thereof), and certification requirements for aircraft use. Further analysis would require comparing this to similar government or commercial contracts for aviation-specific cleaning materials.

Cost Per Unit: Approximately $12 per cloth (800 cloths total)

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

This contract was not competed, being awarded as a sole-source delivery order. The reason for the lack of competition is not detailed, but it could stem from specific product requirements, existing supplier relationships, or limited market availability of compliant products. Without a competitive process, it is difficult to ascertain if the government received the best possible pricing or if alternative, potentially more cost-effective, solutions were overlooked.

Taxpayer Impact: The lack of competition means taxpayers may not have benefited from potential cost savings that could have arisen from a bidding process. It also limits transparency into the market's pricing dynamics for this specific item.

Public Impact

Aviation maintenance personnel and operations will benefit from the availability of these specialized cleaning cloths. The services delivered are the provision of essential cleaning supplies crucial for aircraft upkeep and safety. The geographic impact is likely concentrated around the specific military or civilian aviation facilities where these wipers are deployed. Workforce implications are minimal, though the contract supports the operations of the supplier, National Industries for the Blind.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of competition limits price discovery and potential savings for taxpayers.
Specific product specifications (Type I-Untreated, Class 7) may restrict market access for potential suppliers.
Short delivery window could indicate potential supply chain vulnerabilities or urgent operational needs.

Positive Signals

Contract awarded to National Industries for the Blind, supporting a federal initiative to employ individuals with disabilities.
Clear product specifications (CCC-C-46D & Amendment 2) ensure the delivery of a precise, required item.
Short contract duration suggests efficient fulfillment of an immediate need.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the wholesale trade sector, specifically for merchant wholesalers of service establishment equipment and supplies. The market for specialized cleaning materials, particularly those meeting stringent aviation standards, is niche. While overall spending on industrial supplies is substantial, contracts for highly specific items like aircraft solvent wipers represent a small fraction. Benchmarking is challenging due to the specialized nature, but it aligns with broader government procurement of maintenance, repair, and operations (MRO) supplies.

Small Business Impact

This contract was awarded to National Industries for the Blind, which, while a non-profit organization, often partners with or utilizes manufacturing capabilities that may involve small businesses in their supply chain. However, as a sole-source award, there is no direct small business set-aside analysis applicable. Subcontracting implications are not detailed, but the primary awardee's mission suggests a focus on workforce inclusion rather than direct small business utilization.

Oversight & Accountability

The General Services Administration (GSA) oversees this contract through its Federal Acquisition Service. Oversight mechanisms would typically include contract administration, performance monitoring, and financial accountability. Transparency is moderate, as the award details are publicly available, but the rationale for the sole-source award is not elaborated. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Maintenance Supplies
Department of Defense (DoD) Aviation Logistics
General Services Administration (GSA) Schedule Contracts
Industrial and Janitorial Supplies Procurement

Risk Flags

Sole-source award lacks transparency and competitive pricing.
High unit cost per cloth requires justification based on specialized requirements.
Limited data available on market alternatives for this specific product.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

General Services Administration awarded $9,601.56 to NATIONAL INDUSTRIES FOR THE BLIND. CLOTH, CLEANING: IAW FEDERAL SPEC. CCC-C-46D & AMENDMENT 2. TYPE I-UNTREATED, CLASS 7-AIRCRAFT SOLVENT WIPER, SZ.-16-3/4 IN. BY 20-3/4 IN. UNIT OF ISSUE (AND BASIS FOR BID) IS A SHIPPING CONTAINER OF 8 DISPENSER BOXES, EA. BOX HOLDING 100 CLOTHS (800

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is NATIONAL INDUSTRIES FOR THE BLIND.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: General Services Administration (Federal Acquisition Service).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $9,601.56.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-06. End: 2026-04-13.

What is the specific justification for the sole-source award of this contract?

The provided data indicates the contract was awarded under 'NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION,' which is synonymous with a sole-source award. The specific justification, such as unique product requirements, lack of market availability from other sources, or urgent and compelling needs, is not detailed in the provided information. Typically, agencies must document such justifications thoroughly. Without this documentation, it's difficult to assess if the sole-source nature was truly warranted or if it represents a missed opportunity for competition. This lack of transparency can obscure potential inefficiencies or higher costs borne by the government.

How does the unit price of these aircraft solvent wipers compare to similar products in the market?

The unit price per cloth is approximately $12, calculated from the total contract value and quantity. This price point is significantly higher than standard cleaning cloths. However, aircraft solvent wipers often require specific material compositions, absorbency rates, and certifications to ensure they do not damage sensitive aircraft surfaces or components when used with specific solvents. Without knowing the exact specifications met by these wipers (beyond 'Type I-Untreated, Class 7'), a direct comparison is challenging. If these meet stringent aerospace standards, the price might be justifiable. If not, it could indicate overpricing due to the sole-source nature or a lack of market research.

What is the track record of National Industries for the Blind as a government contractor for similar supplies?

National Industries for the Blind (NIB) is a significant government contractor, primarily through its associated manufacturing agencies, which are often designated as participating organizations under the Javits-Wagner-O'Neill (JWO) Act. This act prioritizes the procurement of products and services from non-profit agencies employing individuals who are blind. NIB and its associated agencies have a long history of supplying various goods, including cleaning supplies, textiles, and office products, to the federal government. Their track record is generally positive in terms of fulfilling contract obligations and supporting their mission. However, specific performance data for contracts involving specialized aviation cleaning supplies would require a deeper dive into contract databases.

What are the potential risks associated with procuring specialized aviation cleaning supplies through a sole-source contract?

Procuring specialized aviation cleaning supplies via a sole-source contract presents several risks. Firstly, the primary risk is financial: the government may pay a premium price compared to what could be achieved through a competitive bidding process. Secondly, there's a risk of limited innovation and product improvement, as the sole provider may face less pressure to enhance their offerings. Thirdly, supply chain reliability could be a concern; if the single source experiences production issues or goes out of business, the government could face significant disruptions in obtaining essential supplies. Finally, a lack of transparency in the sole-source justification can mask potential inefficiencies or even impropriety.

How does this contract align with broader federal procurement goals, such as supporting small businesses or promoting sustainability?

This contract primarily aligns with the federal goal of supporting employment for individuals who are blind, as it was awarded to National Industries for the Blind. This aligns with the Javits-Wagner-O'Neill (JWO) Act's objectives. However, the contract does not appear to directly support small business set-aside goals, as it was a sole-source award to a large non-profit organization. Information regarding sustainability is not provided, but the specific nature of 'untreated' wipers might suggest a focus on material compatibility rather than environmental attributes. The limited scope and value suggest it's a targeted procurement rather than a broad initiative.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Wholesale Trade › Machinery, Equipment, and Supplies Merchant Wholesalers › Service Establishment Equipment and Supplies Merchant Wholesalers

Product/Service Code: CLEANING EQPT AND SUPPLIES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 3000 POTOMAC AVE, ALEXANDRIA, VA, 22305

Business Categories: AbilityOne Program Participant, Category Business, Corporate Entity Tax Exempt, Manufacturer of Goods, Nonprofit Organization, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $9,602

Exercised Options: $9,602

Current Obligation: $9,602

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 47QSWA22D0009

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline